CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD

The United Nations
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Mr. R.
“Like the body that is made up of different limbs and organs,
all moral creatures must depend on each other to exist.”
— Hindu proverb      .


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Mr. R's Citizenship in the World Passport© (a 4"x5" pocket guide) is available in PDF format to print out for non-profit use (requires free Adobe Acrobat© Reader).  Passports are copyrighted, but scouts and troops may use them free of charge if they create only one per scout.  NO scout may be charged! BSA councils must first contact Mr. R. before creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc.

 
  Requirement #1: 
Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what you think it takes to be a good world citizen.
Dictionary
Definition
 Citizenship \Cit"i*zen*ship\, noun
1: the status of a citizen with rights and duties distinct from that of a foreigner 
2: conduct as a citizen; "award for good citizenship"

 

  Requirement #2: 
Explain how one becomes a citizen in the United States, and explain the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizenship. Discuss the similarities and differences between the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizens and the citizens of two other countries. 

 

  Requirement #3:  Do the following:

a) Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor how a country's national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as" its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens.
b) Select a foreign country and discuss with your counselor how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries.
  • Map.com  Both political and physical world maps are provided.  Simple click on one or the other, click on the desired area of the world and explore!
  • Atlapedia.comBoth political and physical world maps are provided and you can jump back an forth between them.  Choose which country you wish, and you'll be learning in a flash!

 

 

 

  Requirement #4:  Do TWO of the following:

a. Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.

b. Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the Internet (with your parent's permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive.

c. Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world.

  1. The United Nations
  2. The World Court
  3. World Organization of the Scout Movement
  4. The World Health Organizations
  5. Amnestry International
  6. The International Committee of the Red Cross
  7. CARE

 

  Requirement #5:  Do the following:
a) Discuss the differences between constitutional and nonconstitutional governments. 
b) Name at least five different types of governments currently in power in the world. 
  • Types of Governments  Definitions of Types of World Governments (graph)
  • CountryReports.org  Select desired country
  • CIA  World Fact Book 
  • IMAO  With All the Different Types of Governments to Choose From, How Can You Go Wrong? (Satire!)
c) Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government.

 
  Requirement #6:  Do the following:

a. Explain how a government is represented abroad and how the United States government is accredited to international organizations.

b. Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations.

Ambassador

Consul Bureau of International Information Programs Agency for International Development Foreign Commercial Service  c. Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel. 

 

  Requirement #7:  Do TWO of the following (with your parent's permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned:

a. Visit the Web site of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this Web site.

b. Visit the Web site of an international news organization or foreign government, OR examine a foreign newspaper available at your local library, bookstore, or newsstand. Find a news story about a human right realized in the United States that is not recognized in another country.

c. Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there.

d. Attend a world Scout jamboree.

e. Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play.

BSA Advancement ID#: 4
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2006
Requirements last updated in 2006
 

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